Title X Cuts Cause Six Minnesota Planned Parenthood Clinics To Shut Down

The Republicans are scoring yet another victory on their war on contraception, as Title X funding cuts cause multiple Planned Parenthood clinics in Minnesota to shut down. Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota has announced that they will be shutting down clinics in Thief River Falls, Brainerd, Red Wing, Owatonna, Albert Lea, and Fairmont while increasing staff in larger clinics in different cities in an attempt to consolidate manpower and costs.

Via press release:

“We proudly served these communities for 40 years, and the decision to close our doors is heartbreaking,” said President and CEO Sarah Stoesz. “We know that both state and federal governments are struggling to balance their budgets, but we also know that public funding for family planning services is a cost-saving and vital service for tens of thousands of women in our state, especially in rural areas. This was a short-sighted blow to a much-needed program.”

To continue to serve the women and families of Greater Minnesota, staff will be increased and evening and weekend hours will be added to Planned Parenthood clinics in Rochester, Mankato, Moorhead, Duluth and St. Cloud. Planned Parenthood will continue to operate clinics in 20 locations across Minnesota and South Dakota.

Of course, for the women who live in the cities being cut, they will now have to travel to different cities to fill prescriptions and get exams, or find the additional money for a primary care physician visit. All so Republicans can pretend they are “tough on abortion.”